Hey Roberto!

[John Stone]

Roberto, I know you keep thinking about leaving FL because hurricane season causes you much vexation (is that a word?). How ya liking FL now?

[n5ama]

I want to know where all those snow shovels are coming from.

[Paul D.]

I think a group of charities from Minnesota brought those shovels down.

Los Tres Cape Dories con Minnesota

[John Stone]

Wow! That’s a great photograph. I lived in Minnesota when I was in the 4th grade. I’m still trying to warmed up!

[Keith]

I had a friend who was in the air force and was stationed in Minot ND for a time. The saying for the airmen was "Why not Minot? Freezings the reason!"

Keith

[mgphl52]

Does anyone on the board live near Roberto? I'm surprised we haven't heard from him and a bit concerned...

[jbenagh]

I was thinking the same thing. I hope we hear from you soon Roberto! You've been an inspiration to many of us hesitant to dive in to boat ownership.
Jeff

[John Stone]

I just sent him an email....

[Capt Hook]

Please keep us posted.
Have you checked with the Guinness distributor in Florida to see if there's been a drop off in consumption?

[John Stone]

LOL. I’ll let you know as soon as he comes up for air....

[Sea Hunt Video]

Hello John, Mike, Keith, Jeff, Captain Hook and all:

I apologize for the delay in posting.

Between trying to avoid contracting Covid-19 for the past year and trying to get registered for vaccine shots (it’s like playing the lottery) and dealing with two recurring medical issues and some family matters, the past months have been a challenge. I am sure many on this board are dealing with the same virus avoidance and vaccination issues.

I am grateful for the concern of my friends on this board. It means a lot, more than you know.

Sadly, S/V Bali Ha’i has been sitting neglected on a trailer in my driveway for way, way too long. She no longer looks like “the prettiest girl in the fleet” that she once was. I have not been able to do the routine maintenance, etc., that I used to enjoy. Because of a recurring medical issue for which none of the so-called “expert docs” can offer a solution or a prognosis or even anything constructive, it looks like my diving trips and sailing adventures (limited as they were) are not in my immediate future.

I think I will soon be forced to find a good home for S/V Bali Ha’i. As I once wrote in the Cape Dory Masthead, she was (and still is) my Sophia Loren. If anyone knows of someone who is interested in a 1982 Cape Dory 25D, let them know about S/V Bali Ha’i. She will need a good scrubbing and some cosmetics (most of the teak is bare, all Cetol is gone). She has almost new UK sails (main and 110 Genoa). Her original Yanmar 8 hp has not been turned over in almost two (2) years because of dead batteries and my not being able to climb a ladder to board her to run the engine. She ran perfectly before that and she should again. Her fuel tank (11 gallons) will have to be drained and cleaned. Her decks and hull are solid. Despite South Florida’s torrential rains and tropical storm winds her cabin and engine compartment have always been bone dry. The trailer is a top of the line Triad trailer with all the so-called “bells and whistles”. It was specifically built for a Cape Dory 25D hull.

On the positive side, I am hopeful of completing my Covid-19 vaccination protocols. I will then feel a little better about venturing out to places like the local sailing club (operating at less than 50%), visiting my favorite watering hole, etc.; diving will still be a “no - no” for the indefinite future. Fortunately (and hopefully), the family matters will soon be resolved.

All that will be left to deal with is being on the wrong side of 70 and all of the issues that come with that. I thank my Irish friends for inventing Guinness. It helps a little (actually, a lot).

From what is being reported by CDC, FDA, etc., it looks like this year’s sailing season in the North will be much better than the 2020 season if the infection numbers continue to go down.

I wish Cape Dory sailors and all sailors everywhere fair winds and following seas. This board and its members will always be in my thoughts.

[Jim Walsh]

Nice to hear from you Roberto, good to know you are on the mend. Hope you continue to make progress and exceed expectations.

[mgphl52]

Many Thanks for the update, Roberto! I hope things mend quickly and you and "Sophia" get to dance some more!

[n5ama]

Wow! That’s a great photograph. I lived in Minnesota when I was in the 4th grade. I’m still trying to warmed up!

I moved my boat from Lk Superior to the Galveston, Tx area last fall. I’ve heard my boat loudly purring every trip I’ve made to the boat this winter. The only problem I have is the north winds blow the water from my marina out into the GOM and I have a hard time moving the boat out of my shallow slip.

Life is hell down here.

[Frenchy]

I'd like to also add my well wishes for your recovery, Roberto. It's always a pleasure reading your well written, often
humorous, posts. I've never had a Guinness, but know that you've inspired me to order and down one in your honor. There's a fine
old Irish pub in Bristol, R.I. -Aidan's-that'll be a good setting for that. Regards, Jean